Upgrading headlights
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Mi'kma'ki
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,324
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From: Conway, South Carolina
I purchased LED Bulbs from Amazon, Sealight was the brand. They did great in my 2019 F150. However the light was very scattered, in the factory headlight of my 1990 f150. I ended up going back to halogen bulbs. Which aren't as bright but light the road better.
I think some of my issue is the factory style headlight have the fluted lens where some aftermarket light have the clear lens with a fluted housing.
I'm planning on upgrading to some aftermarket headlights where the fluted housing, installing the relay kit, and adding the Hella high wattage bulbs. I think that will work best for me. Not only because of my experience with LED bulbs, but also I'm running old school halogen daylighter lights, so it'll be a better match with what I have.
I think some of my issue is the factory style headlight have the fluted lens where some aftermarket light have the clear lens with a fluted housing.
I'm planning on upgrading to some aftermarket headlights where the fluted housing, installing the relay kit, and adding the Hella high wattage bulbs. I think that will work best for me. Not only because of my experience with LED bulbs, but also I'm running old school halogen daylighter lights, so it'll be a better match with what I have.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Conway, South Carolina
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
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The 9004 bubs have a terrible connector that melts under normal bulb use. At least that is the experience I've seen with clients cars. Not certain how well they will hold up to even more current/heat. Without a doubt, I would relay those, before I installed the bulbs.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Chillicothe
yeah they are relayed. And they are phenomenal
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 104
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From: Orygun
I did the same a few months back. New harness with relay and ceramic connectors. Now I can see at night. We will see if the bulbs hold up. Everything I read says they will burn out prematurely.
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Cargo Master
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They don't burn out prematurely, they just have a shorter lifespan. Of course, if you don't drive at night often, then it does not matter.
Good thing you used the ceramic connectors. They should stand up to the additional current those bulbs use.
Good thing you used the ceramic connectors. They should stand up to the additional current those bulbs use.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
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I'm no engineer but a brighter bulb probably burns at a higher temp. Especially when it's in the same size enclosure.
I've used 100w bulbs back in the early 80's when halogen was the only option. Yes, they were brighter, but they certainly did not last as long. It also puts a heavy load on your stock wiring harness. With the additional heat, you never know what the long term effect with the plastic headlight housing. Adding relays and connectors that can handle the extra heat is a good step.
For me, LED works.
I've used 100w bulbs back in the early 80's when halogen was the only option. Yes, they were brighter, but they certainly did not last as long. It also puts a heavy load on your stock wiring harness. With the additional heat, you never know what the long term effect with the plastic headlight housing. Adding relays and connectors that can handle the extra heat is a good step.
For me, LED works.
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